Forestry Minister Reviews Bromo Fire Response, Maximises Water Bombing

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has inspected the handling of forest and land fires in the Mount Bromo area. He stated that helicopter water bombing would be used to its maximum capacity until the flames are completely extinguished.

Raja Juli was accompanied by all officials from the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and affected regional heads during the review on Sunday (9/8). He also monitored the firefighting process from both land and air.

Several points still experiencing fires include the P-30 Cliff area in Sumber District, Probolinggo Regency, and around Mount Dingklik in Tosari District, Pasuruan Regency. Raja Juli noted that aerial firefighting is a crucial strategy for reaching hotspots that are difficult for ground crews to access.

"As of today, they are operating until 17.00 WIB because the weather is good. Yesterday, they only managed until 13.30 due to strong winds and returning fog. Starting today, it has been clear," said Raja Juli.

The water bombing operation is being carried out more optimally this time due to supportive weather conditions. Under ideal circumstances, one helicopter can conduct up to 30 water drops in a single day.

"If it is not yet extinguished, we will continue until it is," he added.

Based on preliminary verified data, the burnt area in the Bromo region has reached approximately 520 hectares. Of that total, around 300 hectares burned the previous night.

During the firefighting process, all four access points to the Bromo area from Malang, Lumajang, Pasuruan, and Probolinggo regencies have been completely closed. The closure will remain in effect until an unspecified time.